Durham Magazine - January / February 2017 by Durham Magazine

January / February 2017 - Issue 8

DURHAM Magazine

Photo - Bill Murray

DURHAM

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Editorial - January / February 2017

Welcome

Dear Durham Readers,

Thanks for picking up the latest edition of the magazine, we’re delighted to announce that we have had a great deal of emails, calls, and messages from local contributors who want to share their interests both in print and online; we’ve had poems, stories, and photographs coming in thick and fast. We can’t wait to share them all with you in 2017.

We want to hear from you! Are you a budding photographer? Do you have a real interest in writing? Arranging a gig? Maybe you’re involved in charity work? Or perhaps you’ve just always fancied interviewing that super interesting bloke from down your street? Whatever you’re into, we can’t wait to hear from you!

Durham Magazine was created to give people like you a voice, we’re not a corporate multinational news organisation, we’re not looking to give you all the negative news the newspapers force feed you, we just want to provide a positive news outlet for the people who live and work in Durham. And now is your chance to begin 2017 with your name in lights*. You can get in touch using your preferred method of communication: Call us, email us, visit durhammagazine.co.uk, or drop us a message on Facebook to get started.

We hope you enjoy the latest edition of the magazine, please do let us know if we’re doing anything wrong or how we could improve the magazine.

Contributors

Brian Harrison George Ford Neil Collins Wayne Laidler Luis Eduardo Plazas Barrios Lorraine Weightman Malcolm Clarke (Online) David Sunderland Alex Nelson Chris Hutchinson Bill Murray Emily Elsy

Content and advertising team Barry Kirkham Marco Elsy Firefly New Media UK

Advertising Info sales@durhammagazine.co.uk

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Warmest 2017 regards, Barry Kirkham, Marco Elsy, Firefly New Media UK and the entire Durham Magazine Team

Disclaimer: Durham Magazine and durhammagazine.co.uk make sure to only use reliable sources and we try to verify all content as much as possible. We cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions. All details are believed to be correct at the time of printing. We recommend that readers check information with any venue about times and dates of events in advance. Readers are welcome to send photographs, letters and other content to Durham Magazine and Firefly New Media UK but we cannot guarantee they will be featured in the publication. Firefly New Media UK reserves the right to neither use submitted material in print and online publications nor return it. The views and opinions expressed in advertisements and content do not reflect that of Durham Magazine and Firefly New Media UK. No part of this publication/website may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from Firefly New Media UK. Permission is only deemed valid if approval is in writing.

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Earthquake Occurs off North East Coast

Your Free January / February 2017 Durham Magazine

An earthquake has happened around 100 miles off England’s north east coast. The quake measured 3.9 on the Richter Scale and occurred at a depth of 18 kilometres beneath the North Sea. Though strong quakes are unusual in Britain, this latest tremor – which happened January 2nd at 6.52 pm – was the third earthquake to strike the UK in the last few days. On Monday the 2nd a tremor with a magnitude of 0.9 shook Kirkbride in Cumbria and on Sunday a 0.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in Blakedown, Worcestershire. The North Sea quake was picked up by a monitoring station near Whitby run by the British Geological Survey (BGS). The quake does not seem to have resulted in any serious problems such as injuries and no damage to property has been reported. The BGS says that they still do not know the exact cause of the quake. The British Geological Survey has about 100 monitoring stations around the UK, which record around 100 earthquakes each year. While only 20% of these are strong enough to be felt, the BGS says that “the risk from these earthquakes is not insignificant and must be considered when engineering for sensitive installations.”

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British earthquakes have caused minor property damage The most powerful earthquake to have affected the UK occurred at Dogger Bank, beneath the North Sea, on June 7th 1931. In addition to Britain, the quake was felt in a number of European countries such as France, Germany, Holland, Denmark and Norway. The most destructive earthquake to strike the UK, however, occurred in Colchester in 1884. It caused significant damage to churches, brick walls and residential properties. 11 people are known to have died because of earthquakes in the UK.

Photo By: Bill Murray

Send us your pictures!

editor@durhammagazine.co.uk

Durham Shopper Numbers Increased in 2016 Durham bucked the national downward trend for shopper footfall Durham City Centre also lost its branch of BHS, which had been one of its biggest stores. Other concerns were centred on the growth of online retailing and the popularity of out-of-town shopping facilities.

Adam Deathe, the business engagement manager for Durham Business Improvement District (BID), commented, “Footfall was up year-on-year 1.7%. Given that 2015 included Lumiere, which wasn’t held last year, it shows that Durham is doing remarkably well.”

Mr Deathe added, “Nationally there was a big push towards online retailing, which is an ever-growing trend.”

“Even businesses that have seen the footfall go down said the spend was up. People are going to shop not just to browse.”

Durham Shopper Numbers Increased in 2016

“That’s great for a city like Durham, where the retail offer is broad but the units aren’t the largest. It means people are still coming in, not just to shop but for culture or a leisurely afternoon.” Durham Markets, the company that owns Durham Market Hall and operates a number of other markets in the city, reported a slight decrease in footfall in 2016. Colin Wilkes, from Durham Markets, said, “It’s been a challenging year for the high

Durham Shopper Numbers Increased in 2016 Annual footfall was down slightly at Durham's markets But Mr Wilkes said the Christmas figures had been encouraging. “December has not been too bad. We were up about 11% year-on-year and were particularly busy over the Christmas Festival period.” Durham’s three-day Christmas Festival, held over the first weekend in December, saw 30,000 shoppers visiting the city’s festive markets. Durham Shopper Numbers Increased in 2016 Durham's markets did well over Christmas Nationally, the picture was less positive, with The Guardian newspaper reporting a decrease of 9% in high street footfall in the run-up to Christmas. Mr Wilkes commented, “National footfall figures are well down so anything that’s close to parity (with the previous year) is a good result.” By David Sunderland

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A number of reasons had caused business people to feel pessimistic about the local economy’s 2016 performance, ranging from long-running roadworks on the A690 during summer to ongoing renovation work at The Gates shopping centre to the impact of the Brexit vote.

“People are shopping differently, with things like click and collect so people can order anything from places like Boots and M&S and pick it up in-store.”

street. Like most cities, we’re up against out-of-town retailers and internet sales so we’re constantly seeking to find something a bit different and a bit quirky.”

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Durham Shopper Numbers Increased in 2016 More shoppers visited Durham in 2016 Durham bucked the national downward trend for high street footfall in 2016. Figures show a modest increase of 1.7% in the numbers of people visiting the city’s centre as compared to 2015.

DURHAM UNIVERSITY MAY DEMOLISH ICONIC BRUTALIST BUILDING

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A well-known, some would say infamous, 1960s building may soon be demolished. Dunelm House, a collection of concrete cube-like structures clinging to the cliffs opposite Durham Cathedral and above the River Wear, has been earmarked for destruction by its owner Durham University.

Durham University first decided to span the river. It employed renowned architect Ove Arup, who had worked on Sydney Opera House, to design Kingsgate Bridge, a concrete walkway that stretched 350 feet across the Wear and stood a vertigo-inducing 66 feet above it.

Dunelm House, which cost £250,000, opened in 1966. Although the building drew praises from architects, academics and journalists at the time, it is now said to be in poor condition. The roof, composed of gigantic pre-cast concrete tiles, is apparently leaking.

Despite Historic England arguing that Dunelm House should be given Grade II Listed status, the government’s culture secretary Karen Bradley is likely to grant Durham University a certificate of immunity. Such a certificate would allow the university to demolish the building.

Upon its completion in 1961, Kingsgate Bridge drew praises for its brave modernist design and the exciting experience it gave those who walked across it. Emboldened by this, the university then turned its attention to the New Elvet site.

The total repairs the building requires would, according to the university, cost £15 million. Durham University also claims that Dunelm House’s concrete cubes are unsuitable for 21st century purposes.

Dunelm House came into being after Durham University bought up a part of the New Elvet area. The site the university purchased was occupied by slum housing, a sweet factory and a small council estate.

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The university cleared them away and was left with a site that – while undoubtedly dramatic – presented great challenges. As well as being in the shadow of Durham Cathedral, one of the most historic and iconic buildings in Europe, any structure erected would have to be centred around a narrow ledge above a 50-foot drop to the river.

Arup worked with architect Richard Raine. They scattered the hillside with the concrete boxlike buildings. The back walls of the ‘boxes’ were built right up against the rockface of the cliff while the fronts of the buildings rested on piles. Constructed over five levels, Dunelm House boasts a completely straight internal staircase, which was designed to mirror a street climbing the slope up from the river. The building was made from a special type of concrete, which was cast on site using wooden moulds, giving it a rough ‘unfinished’ look. Even the legs of the pool tables and the ashtrays in the Student Union bar were made from the material.

Repairs to Dunelm House would cost £15 million The university would like to demolish the building and hold an international competition for designs to replace it. The designs would have to work well alongside Kingsgate Bridge, which will be saved. The public have until the middle of January to express their views on whether Dunelm House should be saved or face the wrecking ball. Opinions among locals seem divided, with some saying it is an iconic building that just needs modernising and updating while others claim it is an eyesore that should be knocked down.

By David Sunderland

EXCESSIVE ‘TO LET’ BOARDS

The consultation, which starts today, will ask the public and other interested parties whether such boards disfigure Durham’s historic streets and if stronger action is needed to improve the situation.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic development, said, “While we understand and appreciate the need for landlords to market their properties, this has to be balanced against the impact lettings boards can have on our beautiful and historic city.”“We also believe that ‘to let’ boards are a minor part of the modern marketing strategy and that most students will locate property via the internet.”

In 2009, Durham County Council introduced a voluntary code. “To protect the character and appearance of the city from the display of excessive boards. ”As this code, however, has been continually breached over recent months, the council is now considering applying to the secretary of state for a Regulation 7 order. Such an order would remove the

“The voluntary code we introduced initially proved to be successful. However, more recently we are aware that some agents are breaching the

rules and residents have asked for us to look at ways to give the council power to act in these situations.”

“As well as the evidence compiled as part of the voluntary code, any application to government would have to be supported by local people and have the views of landlords and agents so it’s essential that everyone gets involved and has their say on which approach they’d like us to take.” People can express their views by going to www.durham.gov.uk /consultation before Friday 17th February. People will be able to find out more about this issue at a drop-in event at Durham Town Hall, which will be held from 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm on Monday 16th January.

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current rights of landlords and letting agents to display lettings boards without consent and give the council the power to decide which boards should be allowed.

Your Free January / February 2017 Durham Magazine

Durham County Council has announced it will be holding a public consultation over the excessive display of ‘to let’ boards by landlords in Durham City.

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- Speak-Easy

“The practice of speaking quietly about such a place in public or when inside it, so as not to alert the police or neighbors.”

team at the Cellar Door Restaurant saw a gap in the market for the same relaxed yet luxurious experience in Durham which lead them to open Bar 33.

Neville Street, Durham,

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Unlicensed saloons date way back to 1823 but it wasn’t until many years later, in Prohibition-era America in the 1920’s, the term "speakeasy" became a common name to describe a place to get a bootleg drink. Modern day speakeasy bars have become hugely popular around the world and the

As it should be, the entrance is unassuming, a discreet, plain black door requiring a pin code to gain entry. It conjures images of prohibition era mobsters, guarding the door with a password and a Tommy gun. “Sellin' booze is illegal, ya see; so you’se gotta 'speak easy' boys, so no one’s the wiser.” Or maybe I’ve just watched too many gangster movies. Bar 33 has been marketed as an exclusive bar it's important to understand that it’s used to describe the experience, not the clientele.

Your Free January / February 2017 Durham Magazine

Everyone can get the door code by signing up on their website and entering via a keypad on the door. The copper pipes, dark wood an and pinned leather interior inspires thoughts of bootleg liquor swilling gents and gals in a corner booth while a jazz band squeezes out those syncopated rhythms.

One of the only “speakeasies” bars in the North East and has the latest opening hours of a cocktail bar in Durham. Open until 2am everyday but Sunday on which live music ranging from Soul, R&B and Blues plays until Midnight. Access codes are changed weekly and sent direct to the registered clientele. For further information or to register visit:

www.33DURHAM.co.uk

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A 45 page menu boasts a massive selection of gins, whiskies, craft beers and Cocktails. All handpicked specialities from the every corner of the globe. With exceptionally trained staff on hand with expert knowledge on an extremely wide varieties of drinks. Service is often interactive; you’re given the components of your cocktail in separate decanters and are shown how to mix to your

drink to your taste. The cocktails are exquisite and crafted in style and to each guest’s taste.

Your Free January / February 2017 Durham Magazine

1,700 dogs microchipped through #BeLikeChip More than 1,700 dogs have been microchipped free of charge thanks to a campaign led by Durham County Council. As of April last year, all dogs should be microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old. The chips allow details of the animals’ owners to be registered on a database, making it easier for people to be reunited with their pets thereby reducing numbers of strays. Ahead of the legislation coming into force, Durham County Council launched the #BeLikeChip campaign which provided free microchipping and raised awareness of the need for all dogs to be microchipped.

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#BeLikeChip saw the council working in partnership with national dog charity Dogs Trust, local charity Stray Aid, Durham Constabulary, Dale and Valley Homes and East Durham Homes, with 1,769 dogs being microchipped.

Owners of dogs that already had been microchipped were able to get the chip checked to ensure that their details were up to date in compliance with the new law. Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “More than 1,700 dogs were microchipped free of charge through #BeLikeChip following its launch last March and we’d like to thank all our partners in the campaign for helping make it such a success. “We’d also like to remind dog owners that they must have their pets microchipped and their details registered and kept up to date.” Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “The importance of responsible dog ownership cannot be underestimated. “Getting dogs microchipped enables pets which go missing to be reunited with their owner.

“This means fewer strays, which incur considerable costs for us as the responsible authority.” #BeLikeChip was backed by County Durham Crufts winners, Devon and her owner Marie Burns. Pet owners who do not get their animals microchipped can be fined £500. Free microchipping is still available from Stray Aid subject to terms and conditions. Appointments should be made at least a day in advance on 0300 999 4247. Vets also carry out microchipping but may charge. To find out more about microchipping, visit www.durham.gov.uk/microchi pping or phone 03000 261 000. Anyone thinking of buying a puppy can also visit www.durham.gov.uk /buyingapuppy

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Places to Go: South Shields

Places to Go: Kingston upon Hull

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February is never a great time for long trips out by train. It's still dark in the late afternoon and we often get the worst weather. So if we do get one of those bright, crisp, February days, why not try a visit to South Shields? Depending on where you live, this might involve a rail journey into Newcastle from north or south, or up the coast into Sunderland and then a trip on the Tyne and Wear Metro via the north Tyne loop or via Pelaw on the route to South Shields. The cut out and keep Metro map might help you, and with an all zones rail fare add-on you can travel in zones A, B and C, and also use the Nexus short ferry crossing between North Shields and South Shields which runs every half hour throughout the day. It leaves on the hour and half hour from the North Shields side, and quarter to and quarter past from the South Shields side.

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Don't think of crossing under the river through the fascinating pedestrian tunnel. It's closed for refurbishment and asbestos removal, and the replacement bus service between Jarrow and Howdon, whilst free to use, is not very exciting.

Closest to the ferry terminal is the new attraction called the National Centre for the Written Word. The Word, for short, opened in October 2016 and is a library with interesting exhibition spaces, at the moment profiling the famous film director Ridley Scott of Alien and Blade Runner fame. There’s also an area to record north eastern dialects, and a screen reviewing all the ships in the Tyne and out on open water. You can find additional information on the vessels, their origins and destinations. Ok, I am sure there is an app which will enable you to do the same thing at home, but it’s more impressive when you can see the real ships in front of you. Back in the 1970s, the Word would have been called the South Tyneside Central Library, but this is a brave reinvention of the traditional library for the internet age. Several places in the north east have Roman remains. In South Shields, however, buildings have been reconstructed to look like they were in Roman times. The stunning buildings are replicas of the West Gate, the Commanding Officer's house and a barrack block. It’s normally closed through the

winter, but go at half-term time and Arbeia Roman Fort, as it is known, will be open on two weekends – 18/19 and 25/26 February. The town is noted for its many fish and chip shops and ethnic restaurants, particularly along the Ocean Road down to the beach. The Ocean Beach funfair reopens in February, but it’s obviously weather dependent. The charming little steam train, known as the Lakeshore Railroad, which goes round the lake near the beach, might also be operating, as subject to weather and mechanical failure they offer rides from 1130 to dusk at weekends, and during half term week. On your way back from South Shields, you might like to drop in to the Barbour factory shop which is adjacent to Bede Metro station. With this ticket you can break your journey as often as you want. If you have never ridden the Tyne and Wear Metro you could ride every route in one day, but I think in February I would prefer to wander the art gallery and museum and then find a good book to dip into at The Word. By Alex Nelson

Where am I? Each month we’re going to be bringing you to a specific location in County Durham. We’re asking you to guess where that location is and submit your guess on our website. Can you guess where the this location is?

www.durhammagazine.co.uk/where-am-i/

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Durham Record Office to Tell Story of North East’s Luckiest Woman

Your Free January / February 2017 Durham Magazine

A talk at Durham County Record Office is to reveal the story of the north east’s luckiest woman from the times of the First World War. Standing in the small kitchen of her unassuming pit village home, Barbara Mortensen had the luckiest of escapes. At around 10.30 pm on a clear summer night, a German shell demolished part of her backyard wall, smashed through her kitchen wall, flew straight past her, crossed the room and landed near her front door. The shell, however, failed to explode. On that July evening in 1916, Barbara had miraculously cheated death as her Danish husband Carl and her children slept peacefully upstairs. But, just a short distance away, Mary Slaughter was not so lucky.While walking through the yard of New Seaham Colliery, 35-year-old Mary was hit by another shell fired by the same German submarine, which had surfaced 1.5 miles away. The next day, Mary died from her injuries.

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The German submarine would bombard that section of the Durham coast with 39 missiles that night.The contrasting stories – and luck – of these two women will form part of the first ‘Third Thursday Talk’ to be delivered at Durham County Record Office in 2017. Education and outreach archivist Dawn Layland said, “If you are familiar with the history of County Durham you may know that Hartlepool was bombarded by the

German fleet in 1914, but many may not know that Seaham also came under enemy fire in 1916.” “In the colliery village of New Seaham, 1.5 miles inland from Seaham Harbour, the quiet of a July evening was shattered by a German submarine attack.” “Staff at the record office have built up a huge wealth of knowledge about the archives we hold and the history of our county, and our Third Thursday Talks are our chance to share that knowledge.” “The first talk – ‘Coastal Seaham Investigation: Submarine Bombardment’ – is a great story.” “Come and find out about the luckiest woman in County Durham.” The talk costs £2 per person and will take place on Thursday 19th January between 12.30 and 1.15 pm. The venue will be Durham County Record Office, in County Hall at Aykley Heads. Anybody interested in hearing the talk can book a place by calling 03000 267626. More information can be accessed at www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk. Two further talks – entitled ‘Relieving the Monotony: DLI Regimental Journals 1857-1968’ and ‘From Idea to Act of Parliament: Local Legislation in the 18th Century’ – will be held on the third Thursdays of March and May respectively

Durham Hospital to Get New £30 Million A&E Department

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T c C h The University Hospital of North Durham (UHND), in Durham City, is to receive a new, cutting-edge A&E department. Durham County Council has given the go ahead for the project, which should be completed by 2019. It is hoped the new department will result in better care and shorter waiting times. The current A&E department is struggling to cope, as it has to deal with twice as many patients as it was designed for. Over 65,000 patients are treated at the department annually despite the fact it was only designed to deal with 30,000. A BBC report from 2014 highlighted issues with excessive waiting times at UHND. The new building will provide greater space and make it easier to transfer patients from A&E to different departments within the hospital. The A&E department will also be provided with a separate entrance to the paediatrics department. Durham County Councillors have voted unanimously to approve the plans for the new unit, despite some concerns being expressed about the

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Signs will be placed in and around each play area

Smoke Free Play Signs will be placed in and around each play area

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Countyplay Durham Tobacco AlliancePark, to reduce outdoor area at Control Riverside in the harm causedHouse, tobacco. Dryburn a grade ester-le-Street, is thebyfirst of 178 IIowned by Durham listed building, built in around unty Council towill become awas smoke-free zone. Signs be placed in and each play area

Your Free January / February 2017 Durham Magazine

Jobs Could Be Created 15 Smoke Free Play areas The outdoor play area at Riverside Park, in at Furniture Chester-le-Street, is the byDisused Durham impact on traffic andfirst the of 178 owned tors to County a County Durham park are askedzone. not to Council to become a smoke-free need demolish Dryburn play area from oke when in ortonear the children’s authority is introducing the voluntary no-smoking House. y MarchThe 2015. Factory code as part of its work as a member of the Smoke-free Visitors to a County Durham park are asked not to smoke when in or near the children’s play area from early March 2015.

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The transformed site would include offices, yards, 1824. Originally a country warehousing space and asking adults to abide by the code. authority is introducing the no-smoking house, it was used as voluntary a distribution depots. Though Evidence suggests that by reducing children’s exposure e as parttoofmilitary its work as amaking member the Smoke-free hospital during it theof the furniture plant had a smoking and less socially acceptable, unty Durham Tobacco Control Alliance reduce the children are less likely to take up thetohabit themselves. 1940s. The University reputation as a noisy factory, m caused by tobacco. Hospital Northtook Durham planning application “Although thethecode is voluntary, the consultation Almost 500 of people part in a public consultation showed significant support forsite a ban on was the initiative year, with per cent ns will be placed in last and around playsaying areathey later built next door. It 81each stresses that the now on smoking at outdoor play areas so we hope the public will support strongly agreed with the idea of smoke-free play areas. ing adults to abide the by old theDryburn code. replaced A planning application has help to protect aims to the attract firms a “less it and health of of our children.” CllrHospital Lucythat Hovvels, Durham County Council’s Cabinet to Durham inby 2001 though children’s been submitted industrial nature” which are dence suggests reducing exposure Smoke-free play areassuited are among range of measures member for safer and healthier communities, said: “Oneto turn some of the Dryburn County Council the promoted “better to thealocation smokingof and it less socially acceptable, being by the County Durham Tobacco our making key priorities isHospital preventing children from dren arebecoming less likely to take up the habit themselves. in an to protect children from smokers and forming that buildings have continued to a habit former sitecould of the NessControl Alliance of the site.effort ” smoke-related harm. ultimately kill them. “Children are most at risk of be used.smokers if they grow up in Furniture Factory into a The site already hosts several communities “Although thecarcode is voluntary, the consultation most 500becoming people took part in a public consultation business hub. dealerships and a acarban The voluntary smoke-free code covers areason which are wherelast smoking is the81 norm. Making our play areas showed significant support for smoking at the initiative year, with per cent saying they fenced off and which contain children’s play smoke-free is one way of reducing the opportunities Councillor Paul Taylor said, repairso shop. outdoor play areas we hope the public will support ongly agreed with the idea of smoke-free play areas. equipment. It does not cover general parks and open for children to see adults smoking around them. it and help to protect the health of our children.” “Yes, we’re going to lose a The ex-factory is located near spaces Lucy Hovvels, Durhambuilding, CountybutCouncil’s Cabinet very attractive Croxdale, which is between The factory's closure led to Smoke-free play areasofare among a range of measures mber for safer and healthier communities,Durham said:“One I’d rather save than save children City and Thinford dozens job losses being promoted by the County Durham Tobacco our key priorities is lives preventing from buildings. ” just off the A167. Originally The planning statement Control Alliance in an effort to protect children from oming smokers and forming a habit that could smoke-relatedsubmitted harm. on behalf of New mately kill them. “Children are most at risk of the home of a WWII oming smokers if Chris theyGrey, grow Professor theup in communities munitions plant, the site Equipment Holdings states, The voluntary “We smoke-free codethat covers areas which are ere smoking is themedical norm.director Making our play areas housed the Ness Furniture confident if fenced off and arewhich contain children’s play oke-free is executive one way of reducing the opportunities Darlington and around them. Factory from 1945 equipment. to 2015. these proposals approved It does not coveraregeneral parks and open children tofor seethe adults smoking Durham NHS Trust, said, “This The closure of the spaces Ness by the council that this can is really, really good news. It Factory resulted in the loss of become an attractive thriving means we can provide faster dozens of jobs and 6,400 estate which will add further better care in an environsquare metres of commercial employment opportunities in ment which is fit for purpose. space becoming vacant. the area.” It is a win-win situation.” New Equipment Holdings, Senior planning officer for A spokesperson for the the company that has owned Durham County Council, Darlington and Durham NHS the site for over 70 years, has Barry Gavillet, has recomTrust added, “The Trust has now requested permission to mended that the application been working on proposals split the factory buildings up should be accepted. Mr to invest in the emergency into separate units. The Gavillet said, “The proposed department in the UHND, company also plans to development would enhance which are being driven by refurbish some sections of the character and appearthe pressures on the current the factory while demolishance of the area and would department.” ing other parts. present new opportunities for continued employment “We are committed to The company’s application on the site.” improving the quality of care states that rather than letting we provide and the planning the site “as a whole to a Durham County Council’s application is the next stage single occupier” the planning committee will of preparation for the ex-factory would be “much meet at County Hall on 10th scheme.”. more attractive to the market January to make a decision as a series of smaller on the application. self-contained units”. By David Sunderland

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